Scrap metal dealers in Embu have been granted a seven-day amnesty to surrender materials from vandalised public infrastructure.
The decision was arrived at on Wednesday during a consultative meeting between scrap metal dealers, county security team led by county commissioner Jack Obuo, Embu government and the Scrap Metal Council.
The move will pave way for fresh vetting and licensing after the county banned scrap metal business to contain vandalism last month.
Governor Cecily Mbarire said the ban shall remain in force until the traders are vetted afresh.
She said some of structure that had been vandalised include water meters and pipes, signboards, litter bins and metal fencing posts.
“We have agreed that those in possession of vandalised critical infrastructure will surrender them alongside their registration documents to authorities,” said Kenya Scrap Metal Dealers chairman Francis Mugo.
He said fresh vetting will be conducted by June 10 to allow legitimate dealers back in business.
Pamoja Scrap Metal Association of Kenya chairman Joseph Muraya said new applicants will also be allowed to participate in the exercise.
He said they will start doing self-regulation to weed out illegal traders who have soiled their reputation.
Investment and Industry chief officer Maureen Mukami said the county loses more than Sh5 million annually to vandalism.
She said water companies in the county lose Sh3 million every month from stolen meters, gate valves and pipes.
Obuo said they had apprehended several culprits since they commenced crackdown on vandals last year.
“We have seven cases that are active in court and we will continue with the crackdown to protect public and private infrastructure from vandalism,” he said.